Battery pack

Abstract

Battery pack (101, 105) with: a case (10); a plurality of battery modules (20) arranged on an inside of the housing (10); a plurality of procurement units (30) arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of battery modules (20) to obtain battery information from the plurality of battery modules (20); a monitoring device (40) that performs wireless communication with the plurality of procurement units (30) in the housing (10) in order to obtain battery information from the plurality of battery modules (20); and a master antenna (46) and subordinate antennas (36), wherein the master antenna (46) is arranged at the monitoring device (40) and the subordinate antennas (36) are arranged at the plurality of battery modules (20) in a one-to-one correspondence, through which the monitoring device (40) performs wireless communication to obtain the battery information of the battery modules (20), wherein a radio wave absorption element (60) which absorbs radio waves emitted by the superior antenna (46) and the subordinate antennas (36) is formed on an inner surface of the housing (10) in which the plurality of procurement units (30), the monitoring device (40) and the superior antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40) are not arranged.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to battery packs comprising a plurality of battery modules. background

[0002] There is a battery pack comprising a housing, a multitude of battery modules, a multitude of acquisition units, and a monitoring device. The multitude of battery modules, the multitude of acquisition units or communication units, and the monitoring device are arranged within the housing. The acquisition units are provided with the corresponding battery packs to acquire battery information. The monitoring device performs wireless communication with the acquisition units to receive the battery information transmitted by them.

[0003] Each monitoring device and procurement unit is equipped with a wireless communication antenna. Each wireless communication antenna emits radio waves. These emitted radio waves are reflected by the inner walls of the housing. The reflection of the emitted radio waves generates a multitude of reflected radio waves, which then overlap. This causes radio wave interference, potentially leading to a loss of wireless communication or disruptions in wireless communication due to the interference.

[0004] Since the risk level of a wireless communication failure varies depending on the communication frequency, the monitoring device changes the communication frequency when a loss of wireless communication or wireless communication interference occurs at a given frequency. Japanese Patent No. JP 6 228 552 B2 discloses a technique for changing a communication frequency used in wireless communication when a communication failure occurs.

[0005] This technique can establish wireless communication with other units by changing the communication frequency. However, it is difficult for this technique to reduce the occurrence of wireless communication errors and to prevent loss of wireless communication altogether. Frequent loss of wireless communication and interference often cause the monitoring device in a battery pack to change its associated communication frequency. The frequent occurrence of loss of wireless communication and interference reduces the updating of battery information. Consequently, it is difficult to apply the monitoring device with the wireless communication capability described above to a battery pack that requires real-time wireless communication.

[0006] Document US 2019 / 0242949A1 describes a battery system monitoring device comprising cell measurement circuits (CMCs), each measuring a voltage across or a current through a pair of terminals of a corresponding associated battery module from a plurality of battery modules in a battery system. Wireless communication transceivers (WCTs), each associated with a different CMC, transmit voltage or current measurement information from the corresponding CMC over a wireless communication link. A control unit receives the voltage or current measurement data from the WCTs to monitor the operating status of the battery system.Battery system monitoring is improved by synchronizing clocks in different CMCs or WCTs to enable synchronous sampling of multiple battery modules, by systems for determining the relative positions of battery modules in a series connection of battery modules between terminals of the battery system, and by improvements in the reliability of wireless communication.

[0007] Publication JP 2010 - 142 083 A describes a battery pack system. The system comprises a battery pack having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and including several battery cells with electrodes on the first surface connected in series; a sensing circuit for acquiring the battery information of each of the several battery cells; a radio circuit that generates a radio signal including the battery information; a first antenna attached to the second surface in any of the several battery cells that transmits the radio signal; a second antenna that receives the radio signal; and a management unit connected to the second antenna that displays and monitors the battery information based on the radio signal.

[0008] Document US 2020 / 0006815A1 describes a device for assigning identification information to a plurality of subordinate battery management units. The device assigns different identification information to a plurality of subordinate battery management units. The device comprises: an enclosure configured to at least partially cover the multiple subordinate battery management units; a wireless communication unit with multiple antennas arranged to correspond one-to-one with the multiple subordinate battery management units; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit to transmit a wireless signal with different identification information to the multiple subordinate battery management units.

[0009] The publication DE 10 2017 204 138 A1 describes a battery unit comprising at least two battery modules and at least two measuring and control units, which are connected to at least one central control unit via data technology, wherein the data communication is realized as optical free-space communication, wherein the measuring and control units each have at least one optical transmitter and the central control unit has at least one optical receiver, wherein the optical free-space communication between the measuring and control units and the central control unit takes place directly, excluding the other measuring and control units. SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a battery pack that is able to suppress the occurrence of loss of wireless communication and wireless communication interference due to radio wave interference generated between a monitoring device and battery modules.

[0011] This problem is solved by a battery pack according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided comprising a housing, a plurality of battery modules, a plurality of acquisition units, a monitoring device, a master antenna, and a plurality of subordinate antennas. The battery modules are arranged in an inner compartment of the housing. The acquisition units are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the battery modules to obtain battery information from the battery modules. The monitoring device performs wireless communication with the acquisition units in the housing to obtain the battery information from the battery modules.The main antenna is located at the monitoring device, with the subordinate antennas arranged one-to-one at the corresponding battery modules to perform wireless communication between the monitoring device and the procurement units. Specifically, a radio wave absorption element is formed on an inner surface of the housing, where the plurality of procurement units, the monitoring device, and the main antenna of the monitoring device are not located. The radio wave absorption element absorbs radio waves emitted by the main antenna and the subordinate antennas.

[0013] In the battery pack structure described above, the radio wave absorption part is arranged on or embedded in the housing, wherein the radio wave absorption part absorbs a portion of radio waves emitted by the parent antenna and the child antennas.

[0014] Accordingly, even if the housing is made of a conductive material, such as metal, this battery pack structure makes it possible to suppress radio waves emitted by the main antenna and the subordinate antennas from being reflected through the inner surface of the housing and superimposed onto the main antenna and the subordinate antennas.

[0015] Furthermore, even if the housing is made of a non-conductive material, such as a resin or plastic, this battery pack structure makes it possible to suppress reflected radio waves from being superimposed onto the main antenna and the subordinate antennas, where the reflected radio waves have passed through the housing and been reflected by an external conductive part located outside the housing. This improved battery pack structure according to the present disclosure makes it possible to suppress wireless communication errors caused by radio wave interference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] A preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure is described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a comparative example; Fig. 3 a representation showing a front cross-section of the battery pack according to the first exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a wireless communication system inside the battery pack; Fig. 4 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a first example not covered by the claims; Fig. 5 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a second example not covered by the claims; Fig. 6 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a third example not covered by the claims; Fig. 7 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 8 a representation showing a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a fourth example not covered by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0017] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and examples not covered by the claims are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the various embodiments and examples not covered by the claims, identical reference numerals or numbers denote identical or equivalent component parts within the respective diagrams. First exemplary embodiment

[0018] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 A description of a battery pack 101 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is given.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front cross-section of the battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The battery pack 101 can be installed in motor vehicles, etc.

[0020] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the battery pack 101 comprises a housing 10, a plurality of battery modules 20, procurement units (or communication units) 30, and a monitoring device 40. The battery modules 20 and the procurement units 30 are arranged in the housing 10. The procurement units 30 and the monitoring device 40 form a battery monitoring system capable of monitoring the status of each of the battery modules 20. The monitoring device 40 consists of an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0021] The housing 10 is made of a conductive material, such as a metal. Other surfaces of each of the battery modules 20, the procurement units 30, and the monitoring device 40 are also made of a conductive material, such as a metal. Accordingly, the outer and inner surfaces of the housing 10, the outer surfaces of each of the battery modules 20, and the procurement units 30 reflect radio waves W. In other words, the outer and inner surfaces of the housing 10, the outer surfaces of each of the battery modules 20, and the procurement units 30 provide electromagnetic shielding.

[0022] In the following description with reference to the Fig. In references 1 to 8, a lateral direction is designated by the reference symbol X, a longitudinal direction by the reference symbol Y, and a vertical direction by the reference symbol Z. It is acceptable to substitute one of these directions for another. In other words, it is acceptable to arrange battery pack 101 in any desired orientation.

[0023] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the plurality of battery modules 20 are arranged parallel to each other in the lateral direction X. Each of the battery modules 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in the longitudinal direction Y. The plurality of battery cells 22 are electrically connected in series in each battery module 20.

[0024] Each procurement unit 30 is arranged at each battery module 20. Specifically, each procurement unit 30 is arranged at an upper surface 23 of the corresponding battery module 20. The procurement unit 30 receives and acquires battery information regarding the state of the corresponding battery module 20. Such battery information includes voltage information, temperature information, and current information for each battery cell 22 in the battery module 20. Each procurement unit 30 is equipped with a subordinate antenna 36. Each subordinate antenna 36 projects upward from the upper surface of the corresponding procurement unit 30. In other words, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, each subordinate antenna 36 is arranged between the upper surface 33 of the procurement unit 30 in the corresponding battery module 20 and a ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0025] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the monitoring device 40, which consists of an electronic control unit (ECU), is located on the right-hand wall of the housing 10, that is, on the rightmost side in the lateral direction X. The portion of the outer surface of the monitoring device 40 is exposed to the inner chamber of the housing 10. The battery modules 20, equipped with the power supply units 30 and the subordinate antennas 36, and the monitoring device 40, which is equipped with the master antenna 46, are located in the inner chamber of the housing 10. The monitoring device 40 communicates with a master electronic control unit (master ECU, not shown) via wireless or wired communication.The monitoring device 40 has a master antenna 46 to perform wireless communication with the respective subordinate antenna 36, ​​which is attached to each of the battery modules 20.

[0026] The monitoring device 40 performs wireless communication to transmit a procurement instruction to each of the procurement units 30. The procurement instruction directs each procurement unit 30 to obtain the battery information of the associated corresponding battery module 20 and to transmit the obtained battery information to the monitoring device 40. The monitoring device 40 generates an adjustment instruction and transmits it to the procurement units 30 to adjust the voltage of each of the battery cells 22 in each battery module 20.

[0027] The housing 10 has a box shape to accommodate the main antenna 46 and each of the subordinate antennas 36 in six directions, located on both sides of the lateral direction X, the longitudinal direction Y, and the vertical direction Z. In other words, the housing 10 is arranged in the six directions of each of the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36. Accordingly, it is acceptable for the housing 10 to have a screw hole, a ventilation hole, and a connection hole, etc.

[0028] Hereinafter, radio waves emitted by the main antenna 46 and radio waves emitted by each of the subordinate antennas 36 are referred to as the direct radio waves. The direct radio waves are not reflected by the inner surfaces of the housing 10, the outer surfaces of the battery modules 20, etc. In contrast, the radio waves that have been reflected by these surfaces are referred to as the reflected waves.

[0029] In the housing 10, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the master antenna 46 is located at the battery module 20, which is positioned on the rightmost side in the lateral direction X, and at the upper surface 23 of the battery module 20. This arrangement of the master antenna 46 allows direct radio wave emission to each of the subordinate antennas 36. Additionally, each of the subordinate antennas 36 can also emit direct radio waves to the master antenna 46.

[0030] A gap between the upper surface 23 of each of the battery modules 20 and the top surface 13 of the housing 10 in the vertical direction Z is narrow. Similarly, a gap between the upper surface 33 of each of the procurement units 30 and the top surface 13 of the housing 10 in the vertical direction Z is narrow, where, for example, each of these gaps in the vertical direction Z is no larger than 3 cm, no larger than 2 cm, or no larger than 1 cm. For this reason, as is stated in Fig. Figure 1 shows a radio wave absorption part 60, which is made of a radio wave absorption material, arranged on the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0031] For example, it is acceptable to use a powdered or liquid absorption material as the radio wave absorption material, applied to the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10. It is equally acceptable to adhere a sheet-shaped absorption material to the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0032] It is also acceptable to use the ceiling surface of the housing 10, which is made of a material capable of absorbing radio waves. It is also acceptable to use a ceiling surface of the housing 10 that has a shape capable of absorbing radio waves. More precisely, it is possible to use conductive fibers, a dielectric radiation-absorbing material, or a magnetic radio-wave-absorbing material, etc., as the radio wave absorption part 60.

[0033] The battery pack 101 according to the exemplary embodiment, which has the improved structure described above, exhibits the effects mentioned below.

[0034] The improved structure of the battery pack 101 can reduce the overall size of the battery pack, since each of the subordinate antennas 36 is arranged at a gap between the upper surface 33 of the corresponding procurement unit 30 and the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a representation depicting a front cross-section of a battery pack according to a comparative example.

[0036] In the structure of the battery pack according to the comparative example shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, no radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10. This means that if the radio wave absorption element 60 is removed from the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10, scattered reflection of radio waves W often occurs at a gap between the upper surfaces 23 of the battery modules 20, the upper surfaces 33 of the procurement units 30, and the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0037] These upper surfaces 23 of the battery modules 20 and the upper surfaces 33 of the procurement units 30, as well as the top surface 13 of the housing 10, are made of conductive materials. Such conductive materials reflect radio waves W emitted by the subordinate antennas 36 and the primary antenna 46. In addition to this disadvantage, each of the battery pack that is in Fig. 2 is shown, and of battery pack 101, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, there is a narrow gap between the top surface 13 of the housing 10 and the upper surfaces 23 of the battery modules 20, as well as the upper surfaces 33 of the procurement units 30. The reflected radio waves, which are reflected by the upper surfaces 23 of the battery modules 20, the upper surfaces 33 of the procurement units 30, etc., interfere with each other. That is, if the battery pack does not have a radio wave absorption section 60, and if the subordinate antennas 36 and the primary antenna 46 receive reflected radio waves that have been scattered in the narrow gap, a communication error often occurs due to the reflected radio waves interfering with each other at the subordinate antennas 36.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a representation of a front cross-section of the battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the wireless communication inside the battery pack 101.

[0039] As it is in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the radio waves W are absorbed because, according to the first exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 101 has the radio wave absorption element 60, which is formed on the top surface 13 of the housing 10. The radio wave absorption element 60 absorbs those radio waves W that arrive at the top surface 13 of the housing 10. This improved structure of the battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment makes it possible to suppress scattered reflection of radio waves in the narrow gap between the top surface 13 of the housing 10 and the upper surfaces 23 of the battery modules 20, as well as the upper surfaces 33 of the procurement units 30.

[0040] As described above, for the battery pack 101, which has the improved structure, it is possible to reduce the overall size of the battery pack 101 and to suppress the occurrence of a communication error.

[0041] The battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment has a housing made of a conductive material, such as a metal, in which the radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the top part 13 of the housing 10, while no radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the other surfaces, i.e., the inner side wall surfaces and the inner bottom surface of the housing 10. The radio waves are accordingly reflected by the inner side wall surfaces and the inner bottom surface of the housing 10. This structure prevents the radio waves W from escaping to the outside of the housing 10. This structure makes it possible to improve and provide robust security regarding data information of the battery modules 20, etc.Additionally, this structure of the battery pack 101 makes it possible to suppress the interference of leaked radio waves with communication devices, etc., located around the battery pack 101.

[0042] Furthermore, this improved structure prevents external radio waves from entering the interior of the housing 10, as such external radio waves are reflected by the outer surface of the housing 10. That is, this improved structure of the battery pack 101 prevents the external radio waves from causing interference or disturbance to the subordinate antennas 36 and the primary antenna 46. This makes it possible to suppress a communication error that occurs due to the external radio waves. First example not covered by the claims

[0043] With reference to Fig. 4 A description of a battery pack 102 according to the first example, which is not covered by the claims, is given.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 shows a front cross-section of the battery pack 102 according to the first example not covered by the claims. The same components are used between the battery pack 102 according to the first example not covered by the claims and the one in Figure 4. Fig. 1 and Fig. The battery pack 101 shown in the first exemplary embodiment is designated with the same reference numerals and numbers. For the sake of brevity, the explanation of the identical components is omitted here.

[0045] In the structure of battery pack 102, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the inner surfaces of the housing 10, that is, on the top surface 13, the inner side wall surfaces, and the inner bottom surface. It is also acceptable to have a gap between the top surface 13, the inner side wall surfaces, and the inner bottom surface.

[0046] Since the battery pack 102 according to the first example, which is not covered by the claims, has the structure in which the radio wave absorption part 60 is arranged on the inner surfaces of the housing 10, this structure makes it possible to better suppress radio waves from being reflected at the inner surfaces of the housing 10 and to prevent wireless communication errors from occurring due to radio wave interference. Second example, which is not covered by the claims

[0047] With reference to Fig. 5 is a description of a battery pack 103 according to the second example, which is not covered by the claims.

[0048] Fig. Figure 5 shows a front cross-section of the battery pack 103 according to the second example, which is not covered by the claims. The same components are located between the battery pack 103 according to the second example, which is not covered by the claims, and the battery pack 103 according to the second example, which is not covered by the claims. Fig. 5 is shown, and the battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. The components shown in Figure 3 are designated with the same reference symbols and numbers. For the sake of brevity, the explanation of these identical components is omitted here.

[0049] For the structure of the battery pack 103 according to the second example, which is not covered by the claims, it is possible to have a radio wave absorption part 60 which is formed on the ceiling surface 13, at least one outer surface of each of the battery modules 20, at least one outer surface of each of the procurement units 30 and at least one outer surface of the monitoring device 40 which is exposed to the inner chamber of the housing 10.

[0050] The structure of battery pack 103 is specific, as it is located in Fig. Figure 5 shows the radio wave absorption part 60 on the ceiling surface 13, at least one side surface of each of the battery modules 20, at least one outer upper surface of each of the procurement units 30 and at least one outer surface of the monitoring device 40, which faces the inside of the housing 10.

[0051] Since the battery pack 103 according to the second example, which is not covered by the claims, has a structure in which the radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the outer surfaces of each of the battery modules 20, each of the procurement units 30, and the monitoring device 40, this structure makes it possible to better suppress the reflection of radio waves from the outer surfaces of each of the battery modules 20, each of the procurement units 30, and the monitoring device 40. Furthermore, this structure makes it possible to prevent wireless communication errors due to radio wave interference. Third example, not covered by the claims

[0052] With reference to Fig. 6 is a description of a battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims.

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 shows a representation of a front cross-section of the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims. The same components are used between the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims, and the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is shown in the claims. Fig. 6 is shown, and the battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. The components shown in Figure 3 are designated with the same reference symbols and numbers. For the sake of brevity, the descriptions of these identical components are omitted here.

[0054] In the structure of the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the monitoring device 40 is located further on the right side and the bottom surface side of the housing 10 compared to the position of the monitoring device 40 according to the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6. Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the primary antenna 46 is arranged on the rightmost side of the housing 10 and at the position that is lower in the vertical direction Z than the upper surface 23 of each of the battery modules 20. Accordingly, it is difficult for a direct radio wave (that is not a reflected radio wave) emitted by the primary antenna 46 to be transmitted to and reach the secondary antenna 36 of the left-hand battery module and the secondary antennas 36 of the battery modules 20 arranged around the left-hand battery module 36.Furthermore, it is also possible for direct radio waves (which have not been reflected) emitted by these subordinate antennas, which are located on the leftmost side, and emitted from peripheral positions of the leftmost side, to be transmitted to and reach the superior antenna 46 of the monitoring device 40, which is located on the right side of the housing 10.

[0055] To avoid this disadvantage, a reflector 50 is arranged on the inside of the housing 10. The reflector 50 reflects radio waves W emitted by the subordinate antennas 36 and the primary antenna 46. Radio waves emitted by the primary antenna 46 are reflected by the reflector 50, which is located at the center of the housing 10's top surface. These reflected radio waves W can reach the subordinate antennas 36 of the battery modules 20, which are located on and around the leftmost side. Similarly, the reflected radio waves W emitted by the battery modules 20 and reflected by the reflector 50 can reach the primary antenna 46 of the monitoring device 40, which is located in Fig. 6 is shown, reach.

[0056] To become specific, as it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, since the radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10, except for the position of the reflection element 50, the radio waves W emitted by the primary antenna 46 are reflected once by the reflection element 50, and the reflected radio waves W can reach the secondary antennas 36 of the battery modules 20, which are arranged on and around the leftmost side. Similarly, the radio waves W emitted by the secondary antennas 36 of the battery modules, which are arranged on and around the leftmost side, are reflected once by the reflection element 50, and the reflected radio waves W can reach the primary antenna 46 of the monitoring device 40.

[0057] The structure of the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims, makes it possible to perform radio wave communication because it has the reflection element 50, even if obstacles such as conductors are arranged between the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36. This structure allows the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36 to be arranged in desired positions within the housing 10, and likewise allows the monitoring device 40 and the procurement units 30 to be arranged in optional positions within the housing 10.

[0058] Furthermore, this structure of the battery pack 104 allows radio waves that have been reflected once by the reflection element 50 to correctly reach the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36. This structure enables stable radio wave communication transmission, as the strong radio waves are transmitted to the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36, in contrast to a case where radio waves that have been reflected multiple times reach the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36.

[0059] Furthermore, the reflection element 50 and the radio wave absorption element 60 are arranged on the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10 in the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims. This improved structure, which uses the reflection element 50 and the radio wave absorption element 60, makes it possible to easily arrange the reflection element 50 on the ceiling surface on the inside of the housing 10. Second exemplary embodiment

[0060] With reference to Fig. 7 is a description of a battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Fig. Figure 7 shows a representation depicting a front cross-section of the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The same components are located between the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 7 is shown, and the battery pack 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. The components shown in Figure 3 are designated with the same reference symbols and numbers. For the sake of brevity, the explanation of these identical components is omitted here.

[0062] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the housing 10 comprises a main part 10a and a cover part 10b. The main part 10a has a box shape with an open section at its upper end. The cover part 10b is fitted into the open section of the main part 10a. The main part 10a is made of a conductive material, such as metal. In contrast, the cover part 10b is made of a non-conductive material, such as resin or plastic.

[0063] In the structure of the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the bottom surface of the top section 10b, which faces the inner chamber of the housing 10. That is, the main antenna 46 and the secondary antennas 36 are housed in the inner chamber formed by the main section 10a and the radio wave absorption element 60 within the housing 10. It is acceptable to have a gap between the radio wave absorption element 60 and the bottom surface of the main section 10a.

[0064] The structure of the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows the effects listed below.

[0065] This structure of the battery pack 105 prevents radio waves W emitted by each of the master antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36 from escaping to any exterior surface of the housing 10, as the inner wall surfaces of the housing reflect the radio waves W. Furthermore, this structure of the battery pack 105 prevents external radio waves from penetrating the inner chamber of the housing 10, as the outer surfaces of the housing 10 reflect these external radio waves.

[0066] Although the ceiling section 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material such as a resin or plastic, allows radio waves to pass through it, the radio wave absorption section 60, which is arranged on the bottom surface of the ceiling section 10b, absorbs external radio waves passing through the ceiling section 10b and the radio waves W emitted by the master antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36, preventing them from penetrating the inner chamber of the housing 10. In other words, the arrangement of the ceiling section 10b prevents radio waves W emitted by the master antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36 from escaping to the outside of the housing 10 and prevents the external radio waves W from penetrating the inner chamber of the housing 10.

[0067] The arrangement of the radio wave absorption part 60 on the ceiling part 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material, such as a resin or plastic, without an electromagnetic shielding function, makes it possible to prevent these radio waves W and Wo from escaping to the outside and penetrating into the inner chamber of the housing 10.

[0068] In particular, the structure of the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment allows the in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36 are enclosed in the housing 10 by the main part 10a, which is made of a conductive material, and the radio wave absorption part 60, in the structure of the battery pack 105, to prevent radio waves W from escaping to the outside and external radio waves from entering the inner chamber of the housing 10. Fourth example not covered by the claims

[0069] With reference to Fig. Section 8 provides a description of a battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims.

[0070] Fig. Figure 8 shows a front cross-section of the battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims. The same components are used between the battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims, and the battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims. Fig. 8 is shown, and the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment, which is shown in Fig. The components shown in Figure 7 are designated with the same reference symbols and numbers. For the sake of brevity, the explanation of these identical components is omitted here.

[0071] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims, has the radio wave absorption element 60 arranged on the upper surface of the ceiling part 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material, such as a resin or plastic. It is acceptable to arrange the radio wave absorption element 60 on the inside of the ceiling part 10b. In the structure of the battery pack 106, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the radio wave absorption part 60 is arranged on the upper surface of the ceiling part 10b, which is exposed to the outside of the housing 10.

[0072] In the structure of the battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, since radio waves W emitted by the main antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36 arranged in the housing 10 pass through the ceiling section 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material, it is not always necessary to arrange the radio wave absorption section 60 on the inner surface of the ceiling section 10b, which is exposed to the inner chamber of the housing 10. It is possible to arrange the radio wave absorption section 60 on the upper surface of the ceiling section 10b, which is exposed to the outer atmosphere of the housing 10. It is equally acceptable to arrange the radio wave absorption section 60 on the inner surface of the ceiling section 10b, and for the radio wave absorption section 60 to be embedded in the inner surface of the ceiling section 10b.Even if a radio wave absorption element 60 is arranged on the upper surface of the ceiling element 10b or embedded in the inside of the ceiling element 10b, the radio waves W emitted by the subordinate antennas 36 and the superior antenna 46 pass through the ceiling element 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material, with the radio wave absorption element 60 absorbing the radio waves W. This structure allows the radio wave absorption element 60 to be easily positioned at a desired location within the battery pack 106. Other modifications

[0073] The concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the structures according to the first and second embodiments and the first to fourth examples not covered by the claims described above. For example, it is possible that the battery pack has the various modifications mentioned below.

[0074] It is acceptable to arrange the radio wave absorption part 60 on at least the upper surface 33 of the procurement unit 30 under each of the subordinate antennas 36 instead of or in addition to the radio wave absorption part 60 which is arranged on the ceiling surface 13 of the housing 10 above each of the subordinate antennas 36.

[0075] Furthermore, it is acceptable to arrange the subordinate antenna 36 at the side wall surface of each of the radio wave absorption parts 60 and to arrange the radio wave absorption part 60 on the upper surface 23 of each of the battery modules 20 below the associated corresponding subordinate antenna 36.

[0076] Furthermore, in the battery packs 101 to 103 according to the first exemplary embodiment and the first and second examples not covered by the claims, it is acceptable to use the housing 10 in which a part or the entire associated surface is made of a non-conductive material. In this case, it is acceptable to arrange the radio wave absorption element 60 on the external surface of the ceiling element 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material, or to embed the radio wave absorption element 60 in the inner surface of the ceiling element 10b, which is made of a non-conductive material, such as a resin or plastic.

[0077] If the housing 10 is made of a non-conductive material, it is possible that the inner surfaces of the housing 10 will not reflect any radio wave W. Even if the radio waves W emitted by the master antenna 46 and the subordinate antennas 36 pass through the housing 10 and are reflected by the (not shown) external conductive parts, it is possible that the arrangement of the radio wave absorption part 60 prevents the radio waves W reflected by the external conductive part from being superimposed on the subordinate antennas 36 and the master antenna 46 arranged in the housing 10.

[0078] In the structure of the battery pack 104 according to the third example, which is not covered by the claims, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, it is acceptable to use a portion of the housing 10 or the entire surface of the housing 10 made of a non-conductive material. If the ceiling portion 13 is made of a non-conductive material in the structure of the battery pack 104 according to the third example not covered by the claims, which is shown in Figure 6, the following applies: Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the part of the ceiling section 13 in which no radio wave absorption section 60 is arranged does not form the reflection section 50. In this case, it is necessary to arrange an additional part made of conductive material, such as one made of metal, on the ceiling section 13, which is made of a non-conductive material, in order to arrange the reflection section 50.

[0079] In the structure of each of the battery pack 105 according to the second exemplary embodiment, which is in Fig. 7 is shown, and of the battery pack 106 according to the fourth example, which is not covered by the claims, which is shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, it is acceptable to use the main part 10a, which is made of a non-conductive material, such as a resin or plastic.

[0080] In the structure of each of the battery packs 101 to 106 according to the first and second embodiments and the first to fourth examples not covered by the claims, which are described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4 to 8, it is acceptable to add the radio wave absorption part 60 to a part without a radio wave absorption part.

[0081] It is possible to eliminate the radio wave absorption part 60 from a part that includes the radio wave absorption part 60.

[0082] While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to these details could be developed in light of the overall teaching of the disclosure. Accordingly, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended only for illustration and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is to encompass the full breadth of the following claims and all related equivalents.

[0083] In a battery pack comprising a housing, battery modules formed from a multitude of battery cells, acquisition units equipped with subordinate antennas, and a monitoring device equipped with a master antenna, the monitoring device and the acquisition units perform wireless communication to obtain battery information, such as the status of each battery cell. A radio wave absorption element is formed on at least one surface of the housing and an internal part of the housing. The radio wave absorption element absorbs a portion of the radio waves emitted by the master antenna and the subordinate antennas.

Claims

[1] Battery pack (101, 105) with: a housing (10); a plurality of battery modules (20) arranged on an inside of the housing (10); a plurality of procurement units (30) arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of battery modules (20) to obtain battery information from the plurality of battery modules (20); a monitoring device (40) that performs wireless communication with the plurality of procurement units (30) in the housing (10) in order to obtain battery information from the plurality of battery modules (20); and a master antenna (46) and subordinate antennas (36), wherein the master antenna (46) is arranged at the monitoring device (40) and the subordinate antennas (36) are arranged at the plurality of battery modules (20) in a one-to-one correspondence, through which the monitoring device (40) performs wireless communication to obtain the battery information of the battery modules (20), wherein a radio wave absorption element (60) which absorbs radio waves emitted by the superior antenna (46) and the subordinate antennas (36) is formed on an inner surface of the housing (10) in which the plurality of procurement units (30), the monitoring device (40) and the superior antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40) are not arranged. [2] Battery pack (101, 105) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the surfaces of the housing (10) in which no radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged is made of a conductive material. [3] Battery pack (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the subordinate antennas (36) of the plurality of procurement units (30) are arranged between a ceiling surface (13) as an inner surface of the housing (10) and upper surfaces (23) of the plurality of battery modules (20) or upper surfaces (33) of the plurality of procurement units (30) and the upper surfaces (23) of the plurality of battery modules (20) or the upper surfaces (33) of the plurality of procurement units (30) are made of a conductive material, wherein the radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged on at least one of the upper surfaces (23) of the plurality of battery modules (20), the upper surfaces (33) of the plurality of procurement units (30) and the ceiling surface (13). [4] Battery pack (191, 105) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the battery modules (20), the procurement units (30) and the monitoring device (40) has an outer surface made of a conductive material and on which the radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged. [5] Battery pack (101, 105) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40) and at least one of the subordinate antennas (36) of the procurement units (30) are arranged at positions where no direct radio waves that have not been reflected, emitted by the main antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40) and some of the subordinate antennas (36) of the procurement units (30), arrive there, and a reflection element (50) is arranged on the inside of the housing (10) which reflects the radio waves to allow the radio waves emitted by the superior antenna (46) and reflected by the reflection element (50) to reach the subordinate antenna (36) of the procurement units (30), and to allow the radio waves emitted by the subordinate antennas (36) of the procurement units (30) to reach the superior antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40). [6] Battery pack (101, 105) according to claim 5, wherein the reflection part (50) is arranged so that the radio waves emitted by the superior antenna (46) and which have once been reflected by the reflection part (50) reach the subordinate antennas (36) of the procurement units (30), and the radio waves emitted by the subordinate antennas (36) and which have once been reflected by the reflection part (50) are allowed to reach the superior antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40). [7] Battery pack (101, 105) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least a part of the housing (10) is made of a conductive material and the radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged on the inner surface of the housing (10) except for the top part on which the reflection part (50) is arranged. [8] Battery pack (101, 105) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged on the inner surfaces of the housing (10) to accommodate the superior antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40) and the subordinate antennas (36) of the procurement units (30). [9] Battery pack (105) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first part (10a) of the housing (10) is made of a conductive material and a second part (10b) thereof is made of a non-conductive material, wherein the radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged on at least the second part (10b) which is made of a non-conductive material. [10] Battery pack (105) according to claim 9, wherein each of the superior antenna (46) of the monitoring device (40) and of the subordinate antennas (36) of the procurement units (30) is housed by the first part (10a) of the housing (10), which is made of a conductive material, and the radio wave absorption part (60). [11] Battery pack (101, 105) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least a part of the housing (10) is made of a non-conductive material, wherein the radio wave absorption part (60) is arranged at least on surfaces of the part of the housing (10) that is made of the non-conductive material and in the part of the housing (10) that is made of the non-conductive material.

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